"The rules of Baduk are so elegant, organic, and rigorously logical that if intelligent life forms exist elsewhere in the universe, they almost certainly play Baduk."

– Chess Master Emanuel Lasker

 

▲ 1 A baduk board2 Members playing four-player Baduk in a joyful atmosphere Photographed by Kim Sun Oh

Baduk may not be a familiar board game for most young adults. The game is noted for being rich in strategy despite its relatively simple rules, and this aspect is where most people find baduk attractive. It has existed for more than 2,500 years and is one of the most popular games in Korea. Korea University's (KU) baduk club Kodae BadukSarang (Love for KU Baduk Club) holds this long tradition of the elegant game baduk, and proves that the game is not restricted only to the elderly.

KoBaSa’s history dates back to 1967 and it now greets its 47th anniversary in 2013. During this long period, KoBaSa won many awards which adorn the shelves of their club room. Upon entering the club room of KoBaSa, situated in the 5th floor of student union building room 519, it is not uncommon to see KU students huddled around a baduk board, making jokes all the while intently looking down at the board. They were playing four-people baduk, which is distinguished from a classic baduk game that is consisted of only two people. Four people baduk is frequently enjoyed by KoBaSa members because it is light compared to normal baduk and many people can play at once in teams. Lee Soo Lim (’13, French Language and Literature) remarked that, “Members compete with each other over paying dinner or lunch. This sometimes gets serious to the point that we take three games for just one meal!”

Many students enter KoBaSa wishing to learn the game, while some students enter to train their skills further in baduk. To help members of all levels, professional baduk players visits KoBaSa from time to time to give in depth advice to club members about baduk. This experience is special for club members because they are able to meet experts of the game and go beyond the limits of amateur baduk.

Baduk provides a lesson in life. KoBaSa member Song Jae Joon (’13, School of Medicine) said that, “Baduk reflects life because people cannot turn back choices just as a baduk player cannot take back his choice on the board. Baduk brings a serenity to our outlook on life.” This is true for the silent game of baduk. It is painstakingly difficult to reach a level of skill that people can call the master level, but once that level is achieved, it is the surest way to feel satisfaction and fulfillment in life.

What is special about KoBaSa is that there is an annual baduk tournament with Yonsei University's (YU) baduk club. Both clubs take turns to host the game, and this is a huge motivation for club members to hone their skills. KoBaSa members also go abroad to Japan to have a tournament with Waseda University which all members look forward to. KoBaSa president Park Hyo Jin ('12, Home Economics Education) has stated that, “This event is the most memorable experience I had in my college life. I was able to visit Japan and upgrade my baduk skills.”

KoBaSa is also intent in taking care of their alumni. A homecoming day is hosted for graduates once every two months. Through this activity, students can meet people they usually would not have a chance to meet. This homecoming event is especially lively because KoBaSa has a divided club between alumni and members who still attend KU. The alumni club is consisted of mostly alumni from the year of 60s to 90s. The alumni club is one of the most active areas of KoBaSa.

Take a look at KoBaSa and their activities and perhaps you may also want to be part of baduk’s 2,500 years history.

KoBaSa is open to anyone in any grade who has interest or experience with the game baduk. Please do not hesitate to visit the 5th floor of student union building room 519.

Contact : 2013 President 010-9169-8163